Analysis with Automatic Identification System Data of Vessel Traffic Characteristics in the Singapore Strait

The study reported in this paper aimed to analyze vessel traffic characteristics in the Singapore Strait. Real-time vessel automatic identification system (AIS) data, with about 4 million records, were collected from Lloyd's Marine Intelligence Unit database for analysis. The results showed that containerships made up the largest proportion (36.36%) of vessel traffic in the Singapore Strait, while roll-on roll-off and passenger ships made up only a small percentage (4.77%). The analysis of the vessel characteristics suggested that special attention should be paid to tankers, bulk carriers, and ships that transport liquefied natural gas and petroleum gas, because of their bigger gross tonnage and draught. It was also found that vessels in traffic headed eastbound usually sailed at slightly higher speeds than those in the westbound traffic. The spatial distribution of vessel traffic flow indicated that the area between longitudes 103 degrees 48'E and 104 degrees 05'E had a larger traffic flow, with the highest traffic density. The ship density of the westbound traffic was higher than it was for the eastbound traffic. The AIS data collected between longitudes 104 degrees 10'E and 104 degrees 35'E were incomplete so that the corresponding traffic flow was underestimated. The advantages and limitations of AIS data were considered in detail in this study.